With the holiday season fast approaching, chances are you already have a trip planned out for the whole family to enjoy. For those of you taking flights with elderly parents or in-laws, making sure you are well prepared in advance will save you a lot of stress and also help to make your traveling more relaxed and enjoyable. Let’s take a look at our top 6 tips for flying with older adults.
6 Air Travel Tips for Seniors
Arrive Early
There’s nothing worse than having to rush to an airport with the worry of missing a flight. When traveling with seniors, ensuring you leave plenty of time is key. Packing your luggage the day before with all essential items such as passports or tickets kept in a carry bag for easy access will make the process a lot smoother and enjoyable for all. When arriving at the airport don't forget to make time for TSA screening and for those traveling with seniors or children the all-important toilet trip before boarding is always advisable, just in case of delays during boarding or takeoff.
For those traveling with a senior who suffers from mobility issues, it’s always worth checking with the airport staff to see if there is a shuttle buggy available to assist you in reaching your boarding gate.
TSA Preparation
All passengers must go through the TSA checkpoint at the airport, but the lines can sometimes be quite long. The long wait can be challenging for seniors, so it’s always advisable to arrive early, register for TSA PreCheck, and prepare your luggage for easier screening to shorten the wait time. If your parent is 75 years old or older, they may also be eligible for an expedited TSA screening process. Taking care of this early on will help minimize the possibility of missing your flight.
Medication and Medical Information
Consulting a physician before traveling is always recommended to ensure that your elderly parent won’t run into any medical issues throughout the entire air journey.
When traveling with medication, always make sure it's in its original packaging with a proper label and packed in a carry-on bag for easy access. Medically necessary liquids are exempt from the usual carry-on limit, but you will still need to inform the TSA officer and declare them.
It is also advisable to bring a copy of prescriptions and any medical documentation just in case the airport staff need some proof that your parent is fit to travel.
Seating
Selecting a seat in advance will help ensure you and your loved one are seated close together, making it more convenient for you during the flight. Depending on preferences and needs, you may want to book a seat with extra legroom to make it easier for your elderly companion to stretch and move around or an aisle seat near the restroom.
Luggage Weight
Make sure that everything that your elderly parent would need during the trip is packed in a lightweight suitcase. Carrying around heavy luggage increases the chances of injury, making traveling more difficult for them.
Flight Ticket Discounts
A fantastic tip that is sometimes overlooked when traveling with seniors is checking on discounted airfare. Several airlines, such as United Airlines and Delta, offer senior discounts on certain flights, so it doesn’t hurt to check with their respective customer service before purchasing a flight ticket.
Air Travel Assistance
There might be circumstances where your parent has to fly by themselves. If your elderly parent is traveling alone, many airlines have an airport assistance service dedicated to helping the elderly make their way through the airport to the designated departure gate.
You can also opt for an airport concierge service, which will help your parent navigate the airport, such as identifying restrooms and restaurants, to make them feel more comfortable while waiting for their flight.
When traveling with seniors, planning ahead and preparing for the unexpected will save you from dealing with a lot of potential problems and make the air travel experience more pleasant for your elderly loved one.
At Home Instead, we are committed to providing all the support your aging parent needs to live to the fullest wherever they call home. Our well-trained caregivers in Lafayette, LA, are capable of assisting seniors with personal care, companionship, hospice support, and more. For dependable home care assistance in Lafayette, LA, and surrounding areas, call Home Instead at 337 282 2350 today!
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